Premier division: ten highlights to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill focus amid a reported ÂŁ65m release clause for a prospective winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three setups who is pleasurable to watch. However, his side occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their past two games following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi MartĂnez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa but taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for England
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I understand what he could offer me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional striker position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup if he is able to continue his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally than any other English footballer in the top flight this term on six and remains anxious to add to that count when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side in 2024 after five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. Fulham's following four matches take in three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they fell to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The manager's team need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself with seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures facing teams currently in the bottom half of the table. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against long balls and counterattacks that is in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured at club level for a month following a groin problem while his second start in quick succession in Europe victory in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
